Home Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance Tips
Installing a swimming pool can be really expensive and undertaking DIY home pool maintenance is essential to get the most out of your pool.
Just the construction will cost you an arm and a leg. However, that is not all.
Many people neglect the fact that by having a pool, you create a long-term commitment.
This is the main reason why homeowners tend to neglect their pool after a while and leave it as it is.
Although you cannot do anything when it comes to required maintenance, you are definitely able to reduce the cost of upkeep.
Simply put, you can do it yourself!
Here are 8 simple tips that will help you to maintain your pool and reduce all the costs that go with it.
Pool Cleaning Should Become A Routine
Similar to your home, pools require a lot of cleaning.
There are several things you have to do among which skimming is the most important.
Each and every day, leaves and debris will fall into your pool.
Now, if you do not use the pool on a daily basis, this will not be much of an issue.
However, homeowners who use it constantly (especially families with small kids) will have to skim it each day.
Additionally, you will have to scrub the sides of the pool once a week.
There is a high chance of algae buildup and this is the best way to go.
Chlorine can be really helpful here too.
Taking Care Of The Pump
The pump will be your best friend during the cleaning process.
Basically, this product helps to filter water.
Even if you skim all the time, some of the filth will find its way to the bottom of the pool.
This is where the pump takes over.
Unfortunately, pumps aren’t completely automated.
All this dirt ends in the pump basket. In order for your pump to work properly, you as a homeowner have to empty the basket every week.
However, make sure not to turn it on/off too often.
This will increase the chance of malfunction. Instead, let your pump work for 6 hours each day.
Removing The Clutter
As mentioned, pools are a big investment.
Due to this fact, homeowners have to have a good reason for getting one.
In most cases, parents will build it for their kids.
As a result, most of the backyard pools have an enormous amount of clutter (usually toys) surrounding them.
Parents often neglect this and do not bother removing the toys.
But, there are three good reasons to do so.
The first thing to be considered is aesthetics.
But, that isn’t the biggest issue.
A much bigger problem is the fact that someone can slip on a toy and hurt themselves.
Finally, these toys are lying in the dirt all day long.
When your kids put them into the pool, they actually transfer the dirt into the pool which makes the pool maintenance much harder.
Protecting Your Pool
Cleaning is just a small part of a much bigger story.
Proper swimming pool service and maintenance also includes pool protection.
In most of the cases, any damage to the pool happens during the winter.
The ice can easily cause your pipes to burst. Before covering it, make sure to flush the water from all the outlets.
Protect them with covers and then, make sure to regulate the water’s chemical level.
Finally, add a pool cover. This can ensure infallible protection during the cold season.
Make sure to remove leaves and debris that accumulate on top of the pool cover. You can use a leaf blower for this.
Regulating Chemical Levels
Microorganisms quickly start multiplying within a pool. They can lead to skin and mucous membrane irritations and even diseases.
As a pool owner, you need to regulate the chemical levels at least once per week.
Check alkalinity, free chlorine, calcium hardness, acidity, and cyanuric acid.
There are a lot of different testers on the market so this won’t be a big problem.
Chemical levels can easily be adjusted if needed. If the water is clean, without any murkiness, then you know it’s safe to swim in it.
You Can Skip Pool Chemicals
A lot of people hate pools due to the consistency of required service and maintenance and the high amount of chemicals that go into it.
Previously, we mentioned that it is necessary to constantly regulate the pool’s chemical level.
Unfortunately, these products can also be rather expensive especially if you use them all the time.
However, there is a different option.
It is possible to completely skip chemicals. Instead, you can opt for baking soda.
This home product can increase the level of alkalinity.
Removing The Oils
Even if you have a pool for a long time, you probably do not realize how much oil can be in it.
This is only to be expected.
During the summer, we use sunscreens and other skin products.
Subsequently, pool water can get saturated with this substance affecting its overall cleanliness.
The best and most effective way to tackle this issue is by tossing a tennis ball into the water.
Its material can easily absorb oils making the pool once again clean.
Besides the fact that this is a quick solution, it is also a cheap one.
Think About Getting A Glass Dome
A swimming pool gives us a certain freedom.
We use it primarily during the summer when we wish to get out of the house, enjoy the nature and have a swim to cool off on hot days.
Although a glass dome goes against these principles, it does provide an enormous protection to your pool. It is a one-time investment that will last for a lifetime.
Image source: Pinterest via rollacover.com
Perhaps you will lose some of that natural feel and fresh air but this also means that leaves and other debris will not fall into your swimming pool. Additionally, you will be able to use it during the winter.
Like home maintenance, pool maintenance comes down to protection and prevention. You can save a lot of resources just by being mindful.
There is no need to hire a professional company. Instead, you can perform everything by yourself.
Sometimes, cleaning can be much easier than it seems.
Simple objects such as baking soda and a tennis ball can go a long way when it comes to protecting your swimming pool. All you need is a little bit of will.
